Fat a Taxing Matter

Abstract

With increasing rates of obesity and associated obesity related diseases, much attention has been drawn to the latest obesity epidemic, with a variety of solutions proffered. There is a growing amount of evidence relating high intake of trans fats to obesity and coronary heart disease. It has been estimated that “obesity and its associated illnesses cost Australian society and governments a total of $21 billion in 2005”. (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2008) Whilst rates of obesity in upper and middle classes is slowing down, obesity and diabetes rates in the lower socio-economic bracket of society (see Table 1) continue to climb at alarming rates (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2008)